Sunshine Coast Travel Guide
A comprehensive travel guide to Sunshine Coast, British Columbia featuring natural attractions, hiking, biking, accommodations, local culture, safety and health, transportation, and nearby destinations.
- Introduction to Sunshine Coast
- List of Places to Visit in Sunshine Coast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunshine Coast
- Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Sunshine Coast
- Food and Drink Scene of Sunshine Coast
- Where to Stay in Sunshine Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Sunshine Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Sunshine Coast
- Best Time to Visit Sunshine Coast
- Do’s and Don’ts of Sunshine Coast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Sunshine Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Sunshine Coast
- Where to Go Next from Sunshine Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast is located in British Columbia, Canada. It is a popular tourist destination for locals and international visitors alike. With its stunning coastline, lush green forests, and picturesque mountains, this region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In this ultimate guide, we’ve put together everything you need to know to make your visit to Sunshine Coast a memorable one.
List of Places to Visit in Sunshine Coast
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Powell River Historical Museum & Archives
- Tems Swiya Museum
- Sunshine Coast Museum & Archives
Natural Attractions of Sunshine Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park
- Iris Griffith Nature Centre
- Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park
- Malibu Rapids
Hiking/Biking Routes of Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast offers numerous hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Here are some of the popular routes:
- Sunshine Coast Trail
- Mount Elphinstone Provincial Park
- Sprockids Mountain Bike Park
- Tetrahedron Provincial Park
Best Things to Do in Sunshine Coast: Activities and Tours
- Take a scenic flight or seaplane tour
- Explore the crystal-clear waters by kayaking or paddleboarding
- Go fishing for salmon or halibut
- Visit local festivals and events, such as the Sunshine Music Festival and the Sechelt Arts Festival
Week-Long Itinerary for Sunshine Coast
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Powell River Historical Museum & Archives and take a hike in Mount Elphinstone Provincial Park |
| Day 2 | Go kayaking or paddleboarding in Skookumchuck Narrows Provincial Park |
| Day 3 | Take a scenic flight or seaplane tour and explore the beaches |
| Day 4 | Go fishing for salmon or halibut and visit the Sechelt Arts Festival |
| Day 5 | Visit Iris Griffith Nature Centre and hike in Tetrahedron Provincial Park |
| Day 6 | Visit the Tems Swiya Museum and relax in Malibu Rapids |
| Day 7 | Explore Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park and unwind in Sprockids Mountain Bike Park |
Food and Drink Scene of Sunshine Coast
Must-Try Dishes
- Fish and Chips
- Poutine with Mushroom Gravy
- Seafood Chowder
- Oysters
Local Beverages
- Craft beer from Persephone Brewing Company
- Organic wine from Strait & Narrow Estate Vineyards
- Fruit wines from Gibsons Tapworks
Where to Stay in Sunshine Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Old Courthouse Inn in Powell River
- Driftwood Inn in Sechelt
- Pointhouse Suites in Sargeant Bay
- West Coast Wilderness Lodge in Egmont
What to Buy in Sunshine Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Maple syrup from Gibsons Sweetwater Farm
- Pottery from The Raven’s Nest
- Original artwork from Purple Banner Studio and Gallery
Local Culture and Customs of Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast is home to the Tla’amin Nation, who have their own unique customs and traditions. Respect their land and culture by not disturbing any sites or taking any objects.
Best Time to Visit Sunshine Coast
The best time to visit Sunshine Coast is from May to September when the temperatures are mild and there is less rainfall.
Do’s and Don’ts of Sunshine Coast
Do:
- Respect the environment and the local culture
- Take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities available
- Interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions
Don’t:
- Litter or harm any wildlife
- Ignore any safety regulations or warnings
- Disrespect the local culture or customs
Safety and Health
Safety in Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast is generally a safe destination, but visitors should be aware of the following:
- Be cautious when hiking or biking in remote areas
- Follow the safety guidelines of any activities you participate in
- Keep a safe distance from any wildlife you encounter
Health in Sunshine Coast
Medical facilities are limited in some areas of Sunshine Coast, so it is advisable to bring any necessary medication and check if your insurance covers any medical emergencies.
Getting to Sunshine Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Sunshine Coast
- Powell River Airport
- Sechelt Aerodrome
- Vancouver International Airport
Bus Stations Near Sunshine Coast
- Langdale Ferry Terminal
- Earls Cove Ferry Terminal
Other Options
- Ferry from Vancouver to Langdale and Earls Cove
How to Get Around in Sunshine Coast
Car rentals and local buses are available, but hiring a private shuttle service is more efficient and convenient.
Where to Go Next from Sunshine Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Vancouver Island, a short ferry ride away
- Whistler, a scenic drive away
- Victoria, a ferry ride away from Vancouver Island
Conclusion
Sunshine Coast is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking to experience the richness of Canadian culture. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance to make the most of your visit to this breathtaking region.
